MGMT. “Time to Pretend.” Oracular Spectacular. (2008)
I used to have “Time to Pretend” by MGMT on repeat in my music
playlist when I was going through a very toxic relationship. It brought
attention to drug use and the feeling of a “pretend” reality. That some might
argue to be self-destruction. Why live in where you must wake up early, go to
an office job, work under a supervisor that plays politics, and deal with high
school gossip as an adult? Is it wrong to escape? Or is it wrong to let that
escape consume you?
The first two line of this song set the tone. “I'm feelin'
rough I'm feelin' raw I'm in the prime of my life, Let's make some music make
some money find some models for wives…,” Time To Pretend MGMT 2005. The
artist is going through a rough time in his life. He also feels that he has not
used any drugs in his life. The word “raw,” shows that he has not been cooked
in the brain by drugs. The author is young, healthy, and full of energy. So, he
starts to make music, and it is providing him money and fame. The last part of
this lyric, “…Finding models for wives,” shows that what we have been shown in
my lifetime with entertainment. Money and fame bring a higher beauty of females.
This is our decision to live fast and die young
We've got the vision, now let's have some fun
Yeah it's overwhelming, but what else can we do?
Get jobs in offices and wake up for the morning commute?
The artist makes a consciences decision to start living life
as thought there are no consequences. The vision the artist portrays is due to
the altered mind state from using drugs. Dong drugs can be overwhelming at
times. When I drink heavily, I start to slur my words, my brain comes in and
out of consciousness, and I am unaware of any of my actions. Now when I mix the
dosage with cocaine, I get all the positive effects from drinking, and not the
negative ones I’ve mentions above. The feeling is fantastic. Your consumed by
ego and confidence like President Donald Trump at a rally. Would that be considered
overwhelming? Or having to deal commuting an hour to a job that you do not like.
Where your boss likes to be flattered instead showing results. Where your coworkers’
gossip and stab you in the back. Reminding you all the ways you were treated in
high school.
If “I’m living my best life” as Lil Duval says in his song
Smile (Living My Best Life), and I die at the age of 27. Living in an altered
state by doing drugs from cocaine, weed, heroin, MDMA, and/or ecstasy. Having
sex with famous people and stunningly gorgeous models. Not dealing with your
feelings and emotions due to the drugs. Let us view the opposite. I die at 90. Working
and not following my dreams. Dealing with the constant nagging of the wife. Not
being able to be who you are inside. Pretending to be someone for someone else.
Working in an office job and staying stagnant. Dealing with everyone else’s
issues. Pretending to care about those issues. Pretending to smile and be
positive to that co worker that back stabbed you. Who is the one pretending
here?
We'll choke on our vomit and that will be the end
We were fated to pretend
The conclusion of the song brings out the harsh reality of
drug consumption, death. Who is to say that we should not live this life? Most
would argue that they would want to live a longer life. Are you willing to
pretend your way through life to live longer? Or live your life the way you
want to no matter the consequences?
